St Peter Street and Winchester's Catholic life

Join us for a tour of St Peter Street, as we celebrate the centenary of St Peter’s Catholic Church, and hear about the street’s role in the everyday history of Catholics in Winchester. Although there were some turbulent times, for much of the city’s history the Catholic community lived in relative harmony with their protestant neighbours. John Thornhill, St Peter’s Archivist and Historian, will describe the street in early times; explain how the street got its name; and take a look at Catholicism in the time of Charles II and his visits to the street. Find out why the Royal Hotel was known as the Bishop’s House, and hear about the illegal Benedictine convent established there. Finally, visit the first Catholic church in England to be consecrated after the Reformation, and hear how enthusiastically Winchester welcomed the building of the current St Peter’s Church.

Bookings open on the 25th August at 9am for Friends of Hampshire History Trust. General booking opens on 27th August at 9am. To become a Friend of HHT and gain early access, please visit: https://hampshirehistorytrust.com/donations/